Medical device for stimulating and sensing bioactivity

ABSTRACT

In an approach, using a biomedical device, a processor stimulates a cell sample. A processor senses, based on feedback from at least two chemical sensors of the biomedical device, the presence of at least two types of biomolecules released by the cell sample. A processor records, using a computer chip of the device, data collected by the at least two chemical sensors. A processor sends, using an antenna of the biomedical device, the recorded data to a remote server.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to the field of medical devices,and more particularly to biomedical sensors.

Cell membranes in the human body can maintain a membrane potential thatranges from −40 mV to −80 mV. This causes the interior of the cell has adifferent voltage than the exterior of the cell. When the cell becomesexcited, ion channels in the cell membrane open, allowing ions such asCl− to enter the cell. This leads to the depolarization of the cellmembrane and starts the propagation of an electrical signal down thelength of the cell. Certain cells in the body are electrically excitablecells: they respond to an electrical stimulus by depolarizing. Thisleads to an electrical signal that propagates down the length of thecell. This electrical signal triggers the release of certainbiomolecules by the cell. This can be seen most commonly with neuronsand endocrine cells within the body. The activity of a cell can becharacterized by the voltage differential across the cell membrane,depolarized or not, and by characterizing the release of anybiomolecules by the cell.

Neurons are nervous system cells that carry nerve impulses to and fromthe brain and spinal cord by using chemical substances calledneurotransmitters to communicate an impulse from cell to cell.Neurotransmitters can change the electrical threshold needed for anelectrical signal to pass through a neuron, impacting the neuron'sactivity by exciting or inhibiting the neuron. Neurons are often placedone directly after the other, with a small gap between one neuron andthe next. When a neuron receives an electrical signal, the neuronreleases neurotransmitters into that small gap. The next neuron thenbinds those neurotransmitters using neurotransmitter receptors. If theneurotransmitters are excitatory, the next neuron will also becomeactivated and release neurotransmitters as well. If theneurotransmitters are inhibitory, then the next neuron will not beactivated and will not release neurotransmitters. Neurotransmittersensors analyze the communication between clusters of neurons in orderto characterize the activity and function of neurons.

SUMMARY

Aspects of an embodiment of the present invention disclose an apparatusfor a biomedical device comprising: at least one electrode, wherein theat least one electrode is coupled with a computer chip; at least twochemical sensors, wherein the at least two chemical sensors are coupledwith the computer chip; the computer chip, wherein the computer chipcomprises: a semiconductor substrate, and a processor; a microfluidicstructure, wherein the microfluidic structure is an inert elastomericpolymer; a power supply device coupled to the computer chip; and anantenna configured to send data collected onto the computer chip to aremote server.

Aspects of an embodiment of the present invention disclose a method andcomputer system. A processor stimulates a cell sample. A processorsenses the presence of at least two types of biomolecules released bythe cell sample. A processor records data collected by the at least twochemical sensors. A processor sends the recorded data to a remoteserver.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of a biomedical environment, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A depicts a side view of a biomedical device, in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B depicts top view of a biomedical device, in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of an array of biomedical devices, inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a flow chart of the steps of a program of the biomedicalenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a block diagram of a computing device of biomedicalenvironment, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention recognize the importance ofcharacterizing the real-time activity of a cell in order to gain adeeper understanding of how information is transmitted within the body.Cellular activity can often be characterized by the voltage differentialacross the cell membrane as a result of an electrical impulse or bycharacterizing the release of biomolecules as a result of an electricalimpulse. However, using current technology, it is not possible tostimulate a cell and analyze the resulting activity of that same cell.Thus, embodiments of the present invention recognize that there is aneed for an approach that enables characterization of real-time activityfrom a single cell. Embodiments of the present invention recognizesolutions for characterizing the real-time activity of a single cell byusing a biomedical sensor on cell samples that can stimulate a singlecell and then analyze the subsequent reaction of the cell, includingcharacterizing the voltage differentials and any biomolecules released.For example, this biomedical device can be used to stimulate a singleneuron, measure the voltage differential across the cell membrane, andcharacterize the neurotransmitters released as a result of thatstimulation. In this manner, as discussed in greater detail herein,embodiments of the present invention provide a way to measure thereal-time activity of a single cell by using a stimulating electrodethat can stimulate and sense the voltage differential across a singlecell and using chemical sensors to detect biomolecules released by thecell as a result of the stimulation.

The present invention will now be described in detail with reference tothe Figures.

FIG. 1 depicts a functional block diagram illustrating biomedicalenvironment 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. FIG. 1 provides only an illustration of one embodiment anddoes not imply any limitations with regard to the environments in whichdifferent embodiments may be implemented. In the depicted embodiment,biomedical environment 100 includes biomedical device 110 and remoteserver 130, interconnected over network 120. Network 120 can be, forexample, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) such asthe Internet, or a combination of the two, and can include wired,wireless, or fiber optic connections. In general, network 120 can be anycombination of connections and protocols that will supportcommunications between biomedical device 110 and remote server 130.Biomedical environment 100 may include additional biomedical devices,servers, computers or other devices not shown.

Remote server 130 operates to receive and store data collected bybiomedical device 110. In an embodiment, remote server 130 includesprogram 132. In an embodiment, remote server 130 receives data collectedby biomedical device 110 over network 120. Remote server 130 may be amanagement server, a web server, or any other electronic device orcomputing system capable of receiving and sending data. In someembodiments, remote server 130 may be a laptop computer, tablet,computer, netbook computer, personal computer (PC), a desktop computer,a smart phone, or any programmable electronic device capable ofcommunicating with biomedical device 110 via network 120. In otherembodiments, remote server 130 represents a server computing systemutilizing multiple computers as a server system, such as in a cloudcomputing environment. In an embodiment, remote server 130 comprises oneor more displays that can present one or more outputs generated bybiomedical device 110. Remote server 130 may include components asdepicted and described in further detail with respect to FIG. 5 .

Program 132 operates to direct biomedical device 110 in characterizingthe activity of a cell. In an embodiment, program 132 sends programinstructions to biomedical device 110 to stimulate the cell. In anembodiment, program 132 sends program instruction to biomedical device110 to sense the presence of biomolecules. In an embodiment, program 132sends program instruction to biomedical device 110 to transmit datacollected to the remote server. In some embodiments, program 132 resideson remote server 130. In other embodiments, program 132 may reside onanother server, or another computing device, provided that program 132can communicate with biomedical device 110.

Biomedical device 110 operates to characterize the activity of a cell bytriggering an electrical impulse within the cell, measuring the voltagedifferential across the cell membrane, and characterizing anybiomolecules released by the cell in response to the electrical impulse.For example, biomedical device 110 characterizes the real-time activityof a neuron by stimulating the neuron and tracking the voltagedifferential across the neuronal membrane, as well as by characterizingthe neurotransmitters released by the neuron. In an embodiment,biomedical device 110 is inserted in vivo to measure the activity of acell. For example, biomedical device 110 can be inserted into a humanbrain to measure the activity of a single neuron. In another embodiment,biomedical device 110 is used in vitro, where a biological sample isplaced on a top surface of biomedical device 110.

FIG. 2A depicts a side view of a functional block diagram of biomedicaldevice 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 2A provides only an illustration of one embodiment and does notimply any limitations with regard to the environments in which differentembodiments may be implemented. In the depicted embodiment, biomedicaldevice 110 comprises electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n), chemical sensors A112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), computer chip114, power supply device 115, antenna 116, and microfluidic structure117.

Electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n), where n is a total number of electrodes onbiomedical device 110, operate to stimulate a cell by triggering anelectrical impulse within the cell. Electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n) alsooperate to sense the voltage differential across the cell membrane,which functions as a way to detect the electrical impulse as it travelsthrough the cell. Electrode 111 refers to one instance of electrodes 111₁ to 111 _(n). In an embodiment, biomedical device 110 has one electrode111 that is operatively connected to a top surface of computer chip 114.In another embodiment, biomedical device 110 has an array of electrodes111 ₁ to 111 _(n) that are operatively connected to a top surface ofcomputer chip 114. In this embodiment, the array of electrodes 111 ₁ to111 _(n) allow for stimulation of different parts of a cell. Forexample, electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n) can be arranged in a way tostimulate to two different points of a neuron's cell body. In anembodiment, electrode 111 has stimulatory capabilities to cause anelectrical impulse within a cell. In another embodiment, electrode 111has sensory capabilities to measure a voltage differential across a cellmembrane of a cell. In yet another embodiment, electrode 111 has bothstimulatory and sensory capabilities to stimulate a cell and measure avoltage differential across the cell membrane of the stimulated cell.For example, electrode 111 ₁ stimulates a neuron, causing an electricalimpulse, and electrode 1112 senses a resulting voltage differentialacross the cell membrane.

Chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), where n is a total number ofchemical sensors on biomedical device 110, operate as sensors to detectthe presence of a first type of biomolecules released by a cell. In anembodiment, chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n) are operativelyconnected to a top surface of computer chip 114. Chemical sensor A 112refers to one instance of chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n). Inmultiple embodiments, chemical sensor A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n) areamperometric sensors and/or resistivity sensors.

Chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), where n is a total number ofchemical sensors 113 B on biomedical device 110, operate as sensors todetect the presence of a second type of biomolecule released by thecell. In an embodiment, chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n) areoperatively connected to a top surface of computer chip 114. Chemicalsensor B 113 refers to one instance of chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113_(n). In multiple embodiments, chemical sensor B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n) areamperometric sensors and/or resistivity sensors.

Amperometric chemical sensors characterize the presence of biomoleculesbased on an electrical current arising from the chemical interactionbetween the bioenzyme and biomolecule; the concentration of biomoleculescan be characterized by the strength of the current. Amperometricsensors are created by growing a conductive polymer on an electrode inthe presence of a bioenzyme. That bioenzyme is embedded into the polymerand also coats the electrode. A current is created when the bioenzymeinteracts with a corresponding biomolecule in the environment. Themeasured current is indicative of the concentration of the biomolecule.

In an embodiment, chemical sensor A 112 is an amperometric sensorcovered in bioenzyme A, which interacts with biomolecule A. In the sameembodiment, chemical sensor A 112 detects an electrical current asbioenzyme A interacts with biomolecule A. For example, chemical sensor A112 can detect the presence of different neurotransmitters based on thespecific bioenzymes covering an electrode of the chemical sensor. In anexample, chemical sensor A 112 is covered in bioenzymeacetylcholinesterase, which interacts with neurotransmitteracetylcholine and causes an electrical current that is detected bychemical sensor A 112.

In an embodiment, chemical sensor B 113 is an amperometric sensorcovered in bioenzyme B, which interacts with biomolecule B. In the sameembodiment, chemical sensor B 113 detects an electrical current asbioenzyme B interacts with biomolecule B. For example, chemical sensor B113 can detect the presence of different neurotransmitters based on thespecific bioenzymes covering the electrode of each sensor. In anexample, chemical sensor B 113 is covered in glutamate oxidase, whichinteracts with the neurotransmitter glutamate, causing an electricalcurrent that is detected by chemical sensor B 113.

Resistivity sensors characterize the presence of a biomolecule that doesnot interact with a bioenzyme by taking resistivity measurements.Resistivity sensors are created by growing a conductive polymer on anelectrode in the presence of a biomolecule. The biomolecule is embeddedin the polymer. Before use, the biomolecule is washed out of thepolymer, creating cavities where biomolecules used to be embedded. In anenvironment containing those biomolecules, the resistivity of the sensorchanges, due to the biomolecules binding to the cavities in the sensor.The measured resistivity is indicative of the concentration of thebiomolecule.

In an embodiment, chemical sensor A 112 is created in the presence ofbiomolecule C, which is then washed out of the sensor before use,leaving behind cavities in the sensor. When chemical sensor A 112 isplaced in an environment containing biomolecule C, the resistivitydetected by the sensor changes due to biomolecule C from the environmentbinding to the cavities in chemical sensor A 112. For example, chemicalsensor A 112 is created in the presence of dopamine. Before use, thedopamine is washed out of the sensor, leaving behind cavities inchemical sensor A 112. When dopamine is present, the dopamine binds tothe cavities in chemical sensor A 112, changing the resistivity of thesensor.

In an embodiment, chemical sensor B 113 is created in the presence ofbiomolecule D, which is then washed out of the sensor before use,leaving behind cavities in the sensor. When chemical sensor B 113 isplaced in an environment containing biomolecule D, the resistivitydetected by the sensor changes due to biomolecule D from the environmentbinding to the cavities in chemical sensor B 113. For example, chemicalsensor B 113 is created in the presence of epinephrine. Before use, theepinephrine is washed out, leaving behind cavities in chemical sensor B113. When epinephrine is present, the epinephrine binds to the cavities,changing the resistivity of the sensor.

Computer chip 114 operates to record and store data collected byelectrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n), chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), andchemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n) of biomedical device 110. In thedepicted embodiment, computer chip 114 is operatively connected toelectrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n), chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n),chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), and power supply device 115. Thedimensions of computer chip 114 can vary based on the desiredfunctionality of biomedical device 110. For example, dimensions ofcomputer chip 114 can range from, but not limited to, greater than orequal to 100×100 μm and less than or equal to 1000×1000 μm. In anembodiment, computer chip 114 comprises a processor and a semiconductorsubstrate, which can support one or more features of the biomedicaldevice 110. Example materials that can comprise the semiconductorsubstrate can include, but are not limited to: silicon, germanium,silicon carbide, carbon doped silicon, compound semiconductors (e.g.,comprising elements from periodic table groups III, IV, and/or V),silicon oxide, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, thesemiconductor substrate can comprise electronic structures, such asisolation wires. In an embodiment, semiconductor substrate can betransparent and/or semi-transparent to facilitate the operation ofchemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113_(n) and/or electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n). In yet another embodiment, thesemiconductor substrate can comprise conductive material to facilitatethe operation of chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemical sensorsB 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), and/or electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n). The processoroperates to facilitate execution of one or more computer readableprogram instructions. Example processors can comprise, but are notlimited to: microcontrollers, microprocessors, microcomputers,field-programmable gate arrays (“FPGA”), and/or a combination thereof.In an embodiment, the processor can be operatively coupled to chemicalsensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), andelectrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n) via one or more electrical connections. Inan embodiment, the processor can analyze data collected by chemicalsensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n),and/or control stimulation by electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n).

Antenna 116 operates to send data collected and stored on computer chip114 to a remote server, such as remote server 130. In an embodiment,antenna 116 is operatively connected to computer chip 114 and/or powersupply device 115. In an embodiment, antenna 116 can facilitateconnection between biomedical device 110 and network 120. For example,antenna 116 facilitates the transmission of data from biomedical device110 to remote server 130 over network 120.

Power supply device 115 operates as a power supply for computer chip 114to enable operation of chemical sensors A 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), chemicalsensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n), and electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n). In anembodiment, power supply device 115 can be operatively coupled tocomputer chip 114. Power supply device 115 can comprise but is notlimited to: one or more capacitors and/or one or more batteries. In anembodiment, power supply device 115 is charged wirelessly, for example,through the use of one or more inducers.

Microfluidic structure 117 comprises a bioinert elastomeric polymer andis provided on a plurality of the sides of biomedical device 110. In thedepicted embodiment, microfluidic structure 117 comprises two wallportions extending (e.g., in the vertical direction) substantiallyperpendicular to a base portion (e.g. extending in the horizontaldirection), wherein antenna 116, power supply device 115, and computerchip 114 can be located on top of the base portion and/or between thewall portions. In an embodiment, microfluidic structure 117 is embeddedwith biomolecules to provide camouflage against biological defensemechanisms. In an embodiment, microfluidic structure 117 provides tabsand/or protrusions that are utilized to affix biomedical device 110 tocell samples. In an embodiment, microfluidic structure 117 houses achemical delivery system, comprising of microfluidic channels extendingalong the vertical direction, within one or more wall portions of thestructure. In an embodiment, the distal end of the microfluidic channelcomprising the chemical delivery system is exposed to the tissue and/orenvironment surrounding the biomedical device 110. In an embodiment inwhich microfluidic structure 117 is used to stimulate a cell, thechemical delivery system is loaded with one or more hydrogels comprisedof one or more biomolecules to be distributed to a cell, stimulating thecell. In this embodiment, the one or more hydrogels degrades slowly,allowing for the timed-release of the biomolecules. For example, thechemical delivery system of microfluidic structure 117 storesneurotransmitter that are distributed to a neuron, stimulating theneuron and causing an electrical impulse.

The dimensions of microfluidic structure 117 can vary according to thedesired function of biomedical device 110 and/or the environment inwhich biomedical device 110 is placed. In an embodiment, the dimensionsof microfluidic structure 117 also varies depending on the type ofpolymer used. In one embodiment, the length of microfluidic 117 (e.g.,along the horizontal direction) can range from, but is not limited to,greater than or equal to 5 μm or less than or equal to 180 μm. Inanother embodiment, the height of microfluidic structure 117 (e.g.,along the vertical direction) can range from, but is not limited to,greater than or equal to 1 millimeter (mm) and less than or equal to 2mm. In another embodiment, the respective length (e.g., along thehorizontal direction) of the microfluidic structure's 117 wall portionscan range from, but is not limited to, greater than or equal to 30 μmand less than or equal to 3000 μm. In yet another embodiment, thethickness of the microfluidic structure can range from, but is notlimited to, greater than or equal to 0.3 mm and less than or equal to 10mm.

FIG. 2B depicts a top view of a functional block diagram of biomedicaldevice 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Inthe depicted embodiment, electrodes 111 ₁ to 111 _(n), chemical sensorsA 112 ₁ to 112 _(n), and chemical sensors B 113 ₁ to 113 _(n) arearrayed across the top surface of computer chip 114, which is encased inmicrofluidic structure 117. This structure allows biomedical device 110to stimulate different parts of a cell and detect biomolecules beingreleased by the cell.

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of a function block diagram of biomedicaldevice 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the presentinvention. In this embodiment, biomedical device 300 contains multiplebiomedical devices 110, as described in FIGS. 2A and 2B, encased inmicrofluidic structure 310, which is functionally the same asmicrofluidic structure 117 described in FIGS. 2A and 2B. In anembodiment, biomedical device 300 may be inserted in vivo or in vitro tocollect data on multiple cells while characterizing the real-timeactivity of each individual cell.

FIG. 4 depicts a flowchart 400 of the steps of program 132, executingwithin biomedical environment 100 depicted in FIG. 1 , in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment, program132 sends program instructions to biomedical device 110 to characterizethe real-time activity of a cell by stimulating the cell, sensing avoltage differential across the cell membrane, and detecting andcharacterizing the presence of biomolecules released by the cell inresponse to the stimulation. It should be appreciated that the processdepicted in FIG. 4 illustrates one possible iteration of program 132,which repeats for each stimulation performed on cell samples.

In step 410, program 132 sends program instructions to biomedical device110 to stimulate a cell, causing an electrical impulse to propagatewithin the cell. In an embodiment, electrode 111 of biomedical device110 stimulates the cell by sending out an electrical current thatdepolarizes the cell membrane. The cell membrane depolarization causesan electrical impulse within the cell. In another embodiment,microfluidic structure 117 of biomedical device 110 stimulates the cellby releasing biomolecules stored within the structure, which travelacross the cell membrane and trigger an electrical impulse within thecell. In yet another embodiment, both electrode 111 and microfluidicstructure 117 stimulate the cell.

In optional step 420, program 132 sends program instructions tobiomedical device 110 to sense a voltage differential. In an embodiment,electrode 111 of biomedical device 110 senses a voltage differentialarising from the stimulated cell. In an embodiment, in which electrode111 of biomedical device 110 has both stimulating and sensorycapabilities, electrode 111 causes the electrical impulse within thecell, as depicted in step 410, and senses a subsequent voltagedifferential arising within the same cell. In another embodiment, anelectrode 111 ₁ that senses a voltage differential is a differentelectrode from an electrode 1112 that stimulated the cell. In anembodiment, computer chip 114 records the voltage differential sensed byelectrode 111.

In step 430, program 132 sends program instructions to biomedical device110 to detect and characterize the presence of biomolecules released bythe stimulated cell. In an embodiment, chemical sensor A 112 and/orchemical sensor B 113 of biomedical device 110 are amperometric sensorsthat detect and characterize the presence of biomolecules released bythe stimulated cell based on an electrical current. In an embodiment,program 132 sends program instructions to computer chip 114 to recordthe electrical current detected by chemical sensor A 112 and/or chemicalsensor B 113. In another embodiment, chemical sensor A 112 and/orchemical sensor B 113 are resistivity sensors that detect andcharacterize the presence of biomolecules based on the change inresistivity of the sensor. In an embodiment, program 132 sends programinstructions to computer chip 114 to record the resistivity sensed bychemical sensor A 112 and/or chemical sensor B 113.

In step 440, program 132 sends program instructions to biomedical device110 to send data collected in steps 420 and 430 to a remote server. Thedata collected includes the voltage differential sensed by electrode111, the electrical currents detected by chemical sensor A 112 and/orchemical sensor B 113, and the resistivity sensed by chemical sensor A112 and/or chemical sensor B 113. In an embodiment, antenna 116 ofbiomedical device 110 sends data recorded by computer chip 114 to remoteserver 130 over network 120.

FIG. 500 depicts a block diagram of computer 500 suitable for remoteserver 130, in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the presentinvention. It should be appreciated that FIG. 5 provides only anillustration of one implementation and does not imply any limitationswith regard to the environments in which different embodiments may beimplemented. Many modifications to the depicted environment may be made.

Computer 500 includes communications fabric 502, which providescommunications between cache 516, memory 506, persistent storage 508,communications unit 410, and input/output (I/O) interface(s) 512.Communications fabric 502 can be implemented with any architecturedesigned for passing data and/or control information between processors(such as microprocessors, communications and network processors, etc.),system memory, peripheral devices, and any other hardware componentswithin a system. For example, communications fabric 402 can beimplemented with one or more buses or a crossbar switch.

Memory 506 and persistent storage 508 are computer readable storagemedia. In this embodiment, memory 506 includes random access memory(RAM). In general, memory 506 can include any suitable volatile ornon-volatile computer readable storage media. Cache 516 is a fast memorythat enhances the performance of computer processor(s) 504 by holdingrecently accessed data, and data near accessed data, from memory 506.

Programs may be stored in persistent storage 508 and in memory 506 forexecution and/or access by one or more of the respective computerprocessors 504 via cache 516. In an embodiment, persistent storage 508includes a magnetic hard disk drive. Alternatively, or in addition to amagnetic hard disk drive, persistent storage 508 can include a solidstate hard drive, a semiconductor storage device, read-only memory(ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, orany other computer readable storage media that is capable of storingprogram instructions or digital information.

The media used by persistent storage 508 may also be removable. Forexample, a removable hard drive may be used for persistent storage 508.Other examples include optical and magnetic disks, thumb drives, andsmart cards that are inserted into a drive for transfer onto anothercomputer readable storage medium that is also part of persistent storage508.

Communications unit 510, in these examples, provides for communicationswith other data processing systems or devices. In these examples,communications unit 510 includes one or more network interface cards.Communications unit 510 may provide communications through the use ofeither or both physical and wireless communications links. Programs maybe downloaded to persistent storage 508 through communications unit 510.

I/O interface(s) 512 allows for input and output of data with otherdevices that may be connected to server computer 102. For example, I/Ointerface 512 may provide a connection to external devices 518 such as akeyboard, keypad, a touch screen, and/or some other suitable inputdevice. External devices 518 can also include portable computer readablestorage media such as, for example, thumb drives, portable optical ormagnetic disks, and memory cards. Software and data used to practiceembodiments of the present invention can be stored on such portablecomputer readable storage media and can be loaded onto persistentstorage 508 via I/O interface(s) 512. I/O interface(s) 512 also connectto a display 520.

Display 520 provides a mechanism to display data to a user and may be,for example, a computer monitor.

The programs described herein are identified based upon the applicationfor which they are implemented in a specific embodiment of theinvention. However, it should be appreciated that any particular programnomenclature herein is used merely for convenience, and thus theinvention should not be limited to use solely in any specificapplication identified and/or implied by such nomenclature.

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present inventionhave been presented for purposes of illustration but are not intended tobe exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain the principles ofthe embodiment, the practical application or technical improvement overtechnologies found in the marketplace, or to enable others of ordinaryskill in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: stimulating, by a device, acell sample; sensing, by at least two chemical sensors of the device,the presence of at least two types of biomolecules released by the cellsample; recording, by a computer chip of the device, data collected bythe at least two chemical sensors; and sending, by an antenna of thedevice, the recorded data to a remote server.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the device comprises: the computer chip; at least one electrode,wherein the at least one electrode is coupled with a top side of thecomputer chip; the at least two chemical sensors, wherein the at leasttwo chemical sensors are coupled with the top side of the computer chip;the microfluidic structure, wherein the microfluidic structure is aninert elastomeric polymer that encases all but the top side of thecomputer chip; and an antenna configured to send data collected onto thecomputer chip to a remote server.
 3. The method of claim 2, whereinstimulating the cell sample is done by the at least one electrode. 4.The method of claim 2, wherein stimulating the cell sample is done bybiomolecules released from the microfluidic structure.
 5. The method ofclaim 2, wherein stimulating the cell sample is done by biomoleculesreleased from the microfluidic structure and by the at least oneelectrode.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: sensing, by theat least one electrode, a voltage differential across a cell membrane ofthe cell sample; recording, by the computer chip, the voltagedifferential; and sending, by the antenna, the voltage differential tothe remote server.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein sensing thepresence of the at least two types of biomolecules released by the cellsample further comprises: sensing, by an amperometric chemical sensor ofthe at least two chemical sensors, the electrical current arising froman interaction between a bioenzyme coated on the amperometric chemicalsensor and a first biomolecule of the at least two types of biomoleculesreleased by the cell sample; and sensing, by a resistivity chemicalsensor of the at least two chemical sensors, the resistivity arisingfrom the interaction between a second biomolecule of the two types ofbiomolecules and the resistivity chemical sensor.
 8. The method of claim7, wherein recording the data collected by the at least two chemicalsensors further comprises; recording, by the computer chip, theelectrical current arising from the interaction between the amperometricchemical sensor and the first biomolecule; and recording, by thecomputer chip, the resistivity arising from the interaction between theresistivity chemical sensor and the second biomolecule.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: wherein stimulating the cell sample is doneby a first electrode; sensing, by a second electrode, a voltagedifferential across a cell membrane of the cell sample; recording, bythe computer chip, the voltage differential; and sending, by theantenna, the voltage differential to the remote server.
 10. A computersystem comprising: one or more computer processors; one or more computerreadable storage media; program instructions stored on the computerreadable storage media for execution by at least one of the one or moreprocessors, the program instructions comprising: program instructions tostimulate a cell sample; program instructions to sense, by at least twochemical sensors of a biomedical device, the presence of at least twotypes of biomolecules released by the cell sample; program instructionsto record, by a computer chip of the biomedical device, data collectedby the at least two chemical sensors; and program instructions to send,by an antenna of the biomedical device, the recorded data to a remoteserver.
 11. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the programinstructions to stimulate the cell sample further comprise: programinstructions to stimulate the cell sample using at least one electrode.12. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the program instructions tostimulate the cell sample further comprise: program instructions tostimulate the cell sample using biomolecules released from amicrofluidic structure.
 13. The computer system of claim 10, wherein theprogram instructions to stimulate the individual cell further comprise:program instructions to stimulate the cell sample using biomoleculesreleased from a microfluidic structure and using at least one electrode.14. The computer system of claim 10, further comprising: programinstructions to sense, using at least one electrode, a voltagedifferential across a cell membrane of the cell sample; programinstructions to record, using the computer chip, the voltagedifferential; and program instructions to send, using the antenna, thevoltage differential to a remote server.
 15. The computer system ofclaim 10, wherein the program instructions to sense the presence ofbiomolecules further comprise: program instructions to sense, by anamperometric chemical sensor of the at least two chemical sensors of thebiomedical device, the electrical current arising from an interactionbetween a bioenzyme coated on the amperometric chemical sensor and abiomolecule released by the cell sample; and program instructions tosense, by a resistivity chemical sensor of the at least two chemicalsensors of the biomedical device, the resistivity arising from theinteraction between the biomolecule and the resistivity chemical sensor.16. The computer system of claim 10, wherein the program instructions torecord the data collected by the at least two chemical sensors furthercomprise; program instructions to record, by the computer chip of thebiomedical device, the electrical current arising from the interactionbetween the amperometric chemical sensor and the biomolecule; andprogram instructions to record, by the computer chip of the biomedicaldevice, the resistivity arising from the interaction between theresistivity chemical sensor and the biomolecule.
 17. The computer systemof claim 10, further comprising: wherein the program instructions tostimulate the individual cell further comprise program instructions tostimulate, using a first electrode, the cell sample; programinstructions to sense, using a second electrode, a voltage differentialacross a cell membrane of the cell sample; program instructions torecord, by the computer chip, the voltage differential; and programinstructions to send, by the antenna, the voltage differential to aremote server.
 18. A computer program product comprising: one or morecomputer readable storage media and program instructions stored on theone or more computer readable storage media, the program instructionscomprising: program instructions to stimulate a cell sample; programinstructions to sense, by at least two chemical sensors of a biomedicaldevice, the presence of at least two types of biomolecules released bythe cell sample; program instructions to record, by a computer chip ofthe biomedical device, data collected by the at least two chemicalsensors; and program instructions to send, by an antenna of thebiomedical device, the recorded data to a remote server.
 19. Thecomputer program product of claim 18, wherein the program instructionsto sense the presence of biomolecules further comprise: programinstructions to sense, by an amperometric chemical sensor of the atleast two chemical sensors of the biomedical device, the electricalcurrent arising from an interaction between a bioenzyme coated on theamperometric chemical sensor and a biomolecule released by the cellsample; and program instructions to sense, by a resistivity chemicalsensor of the at least two chemical sensors of the biomedical device,the resistivity arising from the interaction between the biomolecule andthe resistivity chemical sensor.
 20. The computer program product ofclaim 18, wherein the program instructions to record the data collectedby the at least two chemical sensors further comprise; programinstructions to record, by the computer chip of the biomedical device,the electrical current arising from the interaction between theamperometric chemical sensor and the biomolecule; and programinstructions to record, by the computer chip of the biomedical device,the resistivity arising from the interaction between the resistivitychemical sensor and the biomolecule.